Mumbai: The Maharashtra government’s decision to appoint IAS officers to top positions in the Education Department has sparked strong opposition from departmental officials. A petition has been filed in the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) challenging the appointment of IAS officer Trigun Kulkarni as the Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE).
This marks the first time an IAS officer has been appointed to this position, prompting Education Department officials to act swiftly to safeguard their promotion prospects.
Officials Fear Disruption in Promotion Chain
State Education Service officers have traditionally been promoted to leadership positions, including chairpersons and directors of institutions under the Education Department. These include:
- Education Commissionerate
- State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
- State Examination Board
- MSBSHSE
- Directorate of Primary Education
- Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
- Directorate of Planning
- Balbharati
- Maharashtra Primary Education Council
Except for the Education Commissioner and Primary Education Council, these posts have historically been filled by departmental promotions. Officials argue that the appointment of IAS officers to these roles disrupts this chain and affects their career progression.
Background of Similar Disputes
This is not the first instance of departmental resistance to external appointments. Two years ago, the government had decided to appoint Revenue Department officers on deputation as Regional Deputy Directors in the Education Department. At that time, officials filed a petition in MAT, which subsequently stayed the deputation-based appointments.
Officials hope a similar intervention by MAT will prevent the current IAS appointments from undermining the internal promotion structure.
Government’s Move Sparks Controversy
The appointment of Trigun Kulkarni as MSBSHSE Chairman has ignited a debate on administrative control versus departmental rights. While IAS officers have previously been appointed to positions like Director of the State Examination Board and SCERT, placing them in the chairman role of the State Board represents a significant departure from past practice.
Department officials have expressed that such appointments “would ruin their chances of promotion” and are seeking judicial intervention to ensure that leadership positions continue to be filled by officers from the State Education Service.
Hearing Expected Soon
The MAT is expected to hear the petition in the coming days. Officials maintain that the move is aimed at protecting their right to promotion and ensuring that only officers from the Education Department are considered for these key positions.
